Spark Arrester - Craftsman 917.255917 Owner's Manual

SAFETY RULES
1. Know the con_ols, and,J_ow_t_ s_p quickly. READ THIS
OPERA_OB_wS_,_JA&_n_ /pst_ctions furnished with
attachr_nt_
2, Do not allow Children to t_pefate the machine, Do not allow
adults to operate it without proper instruction.
3. Do not carry passengers. Do not mow when children and
others are around.
4, Always wear substantial footwear. Do not wear loose fit-
ting clothing that could get caught in moving parts.
5. Keep your eyes and mind on your tractor, mower and the
area being cut. Do not let other interests distract you.
6. Do not attempt to operate your tractor or mower when
not in the drivers seat.
7. Always get on or off your tractor from the operator's left
hand side.
8. Clear the work area of objects (wire, rocks, etc,) which
might be picked up and thrown.
9. Disengage all attachment clutches before attempting to
start the engine.
10. Disengage power to attachments and stop the engine
before leaving the operator's position•
I 1. Disengage power to mower, stop the engine and discon-
• nect spark plug wire(s) from spark plug(s) before clean-
ing, making an adjustment or repair• Be careful to avoid
touching hot muffler or engine components.
I 2, Disengage power to attachments when transporting or not
in use.
13. Take all possible precautions when leaving the vehicle un-
attended. Disengage the power take off, lower the at-
tachments, shift into neutral, set the parking brake, stop
the engine and remove the key.
! 4. Do not stop or start suddenly when going uphill or
downhill. Mow up and down the face of slopes (not
greater than 15 °); never across the face. Refer to page 51.
1 5. Reduce speed on slopes and make turns gradually to pre-
vent tipping or loss of control. Exercise extreme caution
when changing direction on slopes.
1 6. While going up or down slopes, place Gear Shift Control
Lever in 1st gear position to negotiate the slope without
stopping•
1 7. Never mow in wet or slippery grass, when traction is un-
sure or at a #peed which could cause a skid.
18. Stay alert for holes in the terrain and other hidden hazards:
Keep away from drop-offs.
I 9. Do not drive too close to creeks, ditches and public
high ways.
20. Exercise special care when mowing around fixed objects
in order to prevent the blades from striking them. Never
deliberately run tractor or mower into or over any foreign
objects.
2 1. Never shift gears until tractor comes to a stop.
2 2. Never place hands or feet under the mower, in discharge
chute or near any moving parts while tractor or mower
are running. Always keep clear of discharge chute.
23. Use care when pulling loads or using heavy equipment.
a. Use only approved drawbar hitch points.
b. Limit loads to those you can safely control.
c, Do not turn sharply. Use care when backing.
d, Use counterweight or wheel weights when suggested
in the owner's manual.
24 Watch out for traffic when crossing or near roadways.
2 5 When using any attachments, never direct discharge of
material toward bystanders nor allow anyone near the
vehicle while in operation,
2 6 Handle gasoline with care - it is highly flammable.
a. Use approved gasoline containers .
b. Never remove the fuel cap of the fuel tank or add
gasoline to a running or hot engine or an engine that
has not been allowed to cool for several minutes after
running. Never fill tank indoors, always clean up spill-
ed gasoline.
c, Open doors if the engine is run in the garage exhaust
fumes are dangerous. Do not run the engine indoors.
2 7. Keep the vehicle and attachments in good operating con-
dition, and keep safety devices in place and working,
2 8. Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the equip-
ment is in safe working condition.
2 9. Never store the equipment with gasoline in the tank in-
side a building where fumes may reach an open flame or
spark. Allow the engine to cool before storing in any
enclosure.
30. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves
or excessive grease, Do not clean product while engine
is running•
3 1. Except for adjustments; DO NOT operate Engine if air
cleaner or cover directly over carburetor air intake is
removed. Removal of such part could create a fire hazard.
32. Do not operate without a muffler or tamper with exhaust
system. Damaged mufflers or spark attesters could create
a fire hazard, Inspect periodicafly and replace if necessary,
33. The vehicle and attachments should be stopped and in-
spected for damage after striking a foreign object and the
damage should be repaired before restarting and operating
the equipment.
34. Do not change the engine governor settings or overspeed
the engine; severe damage or injury may result.
35. When using the vehicle with me wet, proceed as follows;
a. Mow only in daylight or in good artificial light.
b. Shut the engine off when unclogging chute.
c. Check the blade mounting bolts for proper tightness
at frequent intervals.
3 6. Do not operate the mower without the deflector shield in
place.
3 7, Disengage power to mower before backing up. Do not
mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary and then on-
ly after careful observation of the entire area behind the
mower,
3 B. Under normal usage the grass catcher bag material is sub-
ject to deterioration and wear. It should be checked fre-
quently for bag replacement. Replacement bags should
be checked to ensure compliance with the original
manufacturer's recommendations or specifications•
LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT OI_T_t4NI_DR_TANT
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. IT MEANS -- ATTEI_I_N[ BEcoME;
ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED.
CAUTION:
LOOK FOR THIS WORD TO POINT OUT IMPORTANT EQUIP-
MENT PRECAUTIONS.
WARNING: This unit is equipped with an internal combustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimproved forest=covered,
brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local
or state laws (if any). If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of Cahfornia the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code). Other states may
have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands• See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark arrester. See
Repair Parts page 34.
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